Established Guidelines for the Use of Platforms, Stages, Scenery, and Lighting for Theatrical Performances

Scribbled note on cover: Even though these regs say 40" platforms, Bill Fregosi said 48" and railings around anything higher. These regs are dated '93 and are the most recent I could get.
CAC Safety
Mike Foley
x3-7909
mwf@mit.edu

MASSACHUSETTS BUILDING CODE

615.3 Platforms

A platform is that raised area within a building used for the presentation of music, plays or other entertainment; the head table for sepcial guests; the raised area for lectures and speakers, boxing and wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round; and similar purposes wherein there are no overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects other than lighting. At temporary platform is one installed for use for not more than 30 days.

615.3.1 Materials:

In building srequired to be of Type 1 or Type 2 construction, where the platforms are not more than 30 inches above the main floor level the minimum type of construction for a permanent platform shall be Type 2C. For all types of construction, where the platforms are not more than 30 inches above the main floor level, not larger in area than 10 percent of the room floor area and not more than 200 square feet in area, the minimum type of construction for a permanent platform shall bye Type 5B. For all types of construction, where the platforms are not more than 30 inches above the main floor level, not larger than one-third of the room floor area and not more than 3000 square feet in area, the minimum type of construction for a permanent platform shall be Type 4 or the platform shall be constructed of fire-retardant treated wood. All other permanent platforms shall be constructed of approved materials as required for floors for the required type of construction of the building in which it its located. Temporary platforms shall be constructed of any approved materials.

615.3.1 Space Beneath:

The space between the floor and a temporary platform above shall not be used for any purpose other than electrical wiring to platform equipment. Where the space between the floor and a permanent platform above is used for any purpose other than electrical wiring or plumbing, the platform shall provide a 1-hour fire resistance rating.

SECTION 1

PLATFORMS:

A raised portion of a floor to be used for simple stage purposes that involve a minimum of fire hazards and does notcontain a grid iron, fly gallery, other apparatus, or proscenium above or below the platform, for the movement of scenery.
  1. SICO Mobile Folding Stage (Platform)
    1. Head Tables
    2. Musical Groups
    3. Theatre Groups
    4. Any where [sic] the above stage is used with a false wall or no wall, a guardrail and steps must be used.
    5. The above stage can not exceed 16" (sixteen inches) in height.
  2. German Portable Platform
    1. Anywhere the German Portable Platform is used with a false wall or no wall, a guardrail and steps must be used.
    2. Any height 24" to 40" (twenty-four to forty inches), must have a guardrail and a handrail on the steps. Stairs must be at the side with the handrail aligned with the rear guardrail.
  3. Rake Platform
    No rake is to exceed 1" in 10".
  4. Ramps
    1. Each ramp that has an angle greater than 20 degrees, which is 8" in 22", must be provided with handrails.
      Picture of 20-degree triangle
    2. Any ramp shall not exceed 30 degrees which is approximately 8" in 14".
      Picture of 30-degree triangle
    3. Handrails shall be 30"-34" in height and extend 1' (foot) beyond the top and bottom of the ramp.
  5. Any additions to the SICO and German Platforms must comply with standards under platform construction.
  6. Platform construction

    Platforms constructed of combustible material mustbe coated with fire retardant paints. The space between the floor and the platform above shall not be used for any purpose other than electrical wiring to platform equipment.

    Construction described above is for:

    1. SICO and German Platforms
    2. New platform construction for Kresge Auditorium and/or other areas.

    No platform is to exceed 40" (forty inches).

  7. W-34 Platform for Major Concerts

    Normally, platform specifications are stated in the contract. The platform must meet the following requirements:

    1. License from the City
    2. Insurance Certificate
    3. Crowd Control Barriers
    Note:Platforms for major concerts rented from vendors are normally 48" (forty-eight inches) high with an 18" (eighteen inch) riser for the drummer. This is the only exception to the 40" high platform rule.
  8. Other Locations Where Platforms Might Be Used on Campus

    Same guidelines as above.

  9. Kresge Main Auditorium Permanent Platform

    The highest platform must not exceed 40" (forty inches). The platforms constructed of combustible materials must be coated with fire retardant paints. The space between the floor and the platform above shall note be used for any purpose other than electrical wiring to platform equipment.

  10. Kresge Little Theatre Stage (Legitimate stage)

    The highest platform must not exceed 40" (forty inches). Platforms constructed of combustible materials must meet the same requirements for platforms used on the Main Auditorium Permanent Platform

  11. Set changes are Allowed in Little Theatre.
  12. No Set Changes are Allowed in Other Areas with Platforms.

SECTION 2

FLAME RETARDANT REQUIREMENTS:
  1. Combustible scenergy of wood, cloth, dry vegetation, plastics, and similar materials/effects, where permitted, shall be rendered flame resistant.
  2. All combustible materials used in sets and scenery shall be rendered flame resistant to comply with Article 9 of the Massachusetts Building Code and 527CMR21 Flammable Decorations (Code of Massachusetts Regulations). See "Flame Retardant Guide" for more detailed information.

SECTION 3

PROHIBITED EFFECTS:
  1. Flash pots, pyrotechnics, fireworks, flaming batons, kerosene lanterns, smoking, and open flames are all prohibited effects.
  2. NO curtains on platforms.
  3. Smoke generators and fogging devices are prohibited unless approved by the Industrial Hygiene Office.

SECTION 4

LIGHTING:
  1. All lights have to be properly hung and secured with secondary chains/cables. No portable pipes can be installed for hanging lights.
  2. Follow Spot lights have to be on permanent structures.
  3. Electrical connections/cables/wiring must be in accordance with the National Electrical Code. All wiring/connnections must be checked out by M.I.T. Licensed Electricians.
  4. While working on ladders, Baby, and Rollaround staging when hanging lights, all people must wear hard hats.

SECTION 5

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS:
  1. All ladders, Baby and Rollaround staging must be inspected by the manager before students or M.I.T. personnel use them.
  2. All platforms must be inspected by the managers before thena re assembled.
  3. All trash must be deposited in non-combustible trash containers.
  4. All sets must be constructed and painted at the set shop. The reason being to prevent dust and paint odors from entering the air conditioning system at the performance location.
  5. All power tools must be used as per manufacturer's instructions.

SECTION 6

PLANS:

Stage, platform, and ligthing plans must be submitted ot the managers for approval before construction begins. The managers will check with the Safety Office and the Electric Shop when necessary. the managers will then verify the plans.

SECTION 7

AISLES:
  1. Aisles must be 4' (four feet) wide if seats are on both sides. Aisles must be 3' (three feet) wide if seats are only on one side.
  2. Clearance around the stage must be 4' (four feet) to the front of the seats.
  3. Aisles must lead to the Exits.
  4. Aisles must be kept clear and accessible at all times.
  5. Cross aisles every 22 rows.

SEATING:

  1. Non-fixed seats - set 15 seats in a row maximum and maximum length to an aisle shall not be more than 7 (seven) seats.
  2. Non-fixed seats - set 32" (inches) back to back.
  3. Fixed seats - capacity determined by actual number of seats.

SECTION 8

EXITS, EVACUATION, and USHER'S DUTIES:
  1. Suzanne McNeil and Michael Foley are working on evactuation and exit procedures.
  2. We need more information for Usher's duties.

SECTION 9

KRESGE MAIN PLATFORM:
  1. The maximum number of instruments, weighing no more than 5 lbs., that can be hung over the platform is sixty (60). No more than ten (10) lights can be in each opening of the clouds.
  2. Noextra pipes of any kind can be hung from the clouds for lighting or scenery.
  3. Grand pianos are not allowed in the pit. If it is necessary to have a grand piano in the pit, the group will have to hire a professional piano moving company.
  4. While working in the clouds, MIT personnel work from the catwalks. If they have to leave the catwalks, they have to wear the safety belt. NO students are to work in the clouds.